11 May 2012

Police and Matais meet over Samoa shooting

7:22 am on 11 May 2012

Police in Samoa say that more than ten matais and orators from a family in Faleatiu at the centre of a fatal shooting earlier this week are supporting their investigation into the incident.

A 39 year old male family member was killed and three police wounded in a shoot out when a large contingent of police approached the village where the family was suspected of drug offences.

The matais have met with the Police Commissioner, Lilomaiava Fou Taioalo, to try to reach a peaceful solution so police can investigate the shootings.

Assistant police commissioner, Leaupepe Fatu Pula, says the alleged cultivation of marijuana is not currently part of the discussions.

The assistant commissioner says it will be next week before a post mortem on the dead man is completed by an overseas pathologist who's yet to arrive in the country.

Police say they have been asssured by the family matais that the family will keep the peace and awaits the outcome of investigations.